SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110053  Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is informed by several Exit Level Outcomes that serves to provide learners with knowledge and skills in the current theory, practice and methodology within the field of nature conservation with South African contexts. The qualification will produce qualifying learners with the requisite vocational knowledge and skills in nature conservation and conservation management and the ability to apply these throughout the South African conservation estate in aiding the transformation of the socio-economic landscape of South Africa.

The qualifying learner will be trained for middle management positions in the conservation field as well as manage and support scientific endeavours. The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices in specific academic conservation disciplines and fields. In addition, qualifying learners will be able to develop, formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

The qualification contributes to an improved understanding of protected area management, more specifically with respect to the digestive physiology of ungulates, water requirements of fauna, activity patterns and home range use, predator management and the ecology of wildlife diseases. The learner must be able to apply all the above theories and concepts using existing tools such as veld condition and game condition assessments to wild animal population dynamics.

Rationale:
This qualification provides the conservation industry with persons that are able to participate under indirect supervision in the management actions in national parks and nature reserves. Achieving this qualification enables the qualifying learner to progress within a career path at the level of a conservation officer and conservation biologist and to actively participate in management actions that conform to relevant statutory bodies. Therefore, rationale for this qualification is to enhance professional competence in the field of nature conservation on a regional and national level.

Learners can through a deeper and comprehensive understanding of reasonable legislature and other aspects that prevent ecological degradations, promote conservation and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

A qualifying learner will also be deeply knowledgeable and capable of developing entrepreneurial opportunities that manage natural resources and biodiversity. Qualifying learners will become certificated members of South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) with two years of work experience. SACNASP is the legislated regulatory body for natural science practitioners in South Africa and certification is required to establish, sustain and ensure a high standard of professionalism and ethical conscience amongst South African scientists including qualifying learners from this programme.

The programme design provides for progression into Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation or a relevant a Bachelor's Degree. Completion of this qualification meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a Postgraduate Diploma but accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into a cognate Bachelors Honours Degree programme.

Notably, the academic Advisory Board comprising industrial and other stakeholders provided input into the development of the curriculum, to ensure that the qualification has relevance to the workplace. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior work-integrated learning for access or granting credits. The RPL process will be conducted according to institution's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations and interviews with assessment panels.

RPL/ Status or Equivalence procedure:
Application process: the following steps are applicable in the application process:
  • The applicant starts with an appointment at the RPL Office or be referred by the relevant Academic Department.
  • Screening interview at the RPL office.
  • Application and proof of payment received by the RPL office.
  • Application sent to the relevant Academic Department.
  • If successful, Academic Department makes recommendation to Faculty Board.
  • Faculty Board makes recommendation to RESSS (a sub-committee of Senate that deals with RPL and related matters).
  • RESSS recommend to Senate.
  • Once Senate has decided, the RPL office then communicates the outcome to the applicant.

    Departmental committee meeting steps:
  • Evaluate all qualifications/documentations.
  • Discuss the relevance.
  • Consider prior knowledge base.
  • Make recommendations - internal departmental exam (50% pass rate required); Additional subjects; Language problems.
  • Complete documentation - sent through to faculty.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A Diploma or National Diploma in Nature Conservation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules and elective Module at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 84 Credits:
  • Animal Studies III, 24 Credits.
  • Plant Studies III, 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology I, 18 Credits.
  • Resource Management III, 18 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 36 Credits (Choose one):
  • Financial Management I, 36 Credits.
  • Conservation Communication II, 36 Credits.
  • Management Principles I, 36 Credits.
  • Aquatic Science I, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of Conservation, including an understanding of knowledge as contested and an ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of Animal and Plant Ecology in processes of investigation or application within a defined context.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in ecological monitoring and natural resource management, and their suitability to specific investigations; and an ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within the practice of Nature Conservation and protected area management.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments by conducting research, planning projects, performing managerial duties related to the field of Nature Conservation, in addition to operational activities related to Conservation Management.
    4. Communicate and manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context- and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats and technologies, in varied fields of Natural Science.
    5. Apply plans of collaborative networking relevant to maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary conservation and land management operations.
    6. Demonstrate an ability to take decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within an organisational or professional context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
    7. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate advanced and integrated biodiversity monitoring techniques which are consistent with industrial and ethical principles.
  • Evaluate the practical aspects of Plant and Animal Ecology.
  • Evaluate the design and implementation of conservation programmes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Manage and monitor protect areas by applying techniques relevant to ecological principles.
  • Identify and analyse the risks of protecting biodiversity from injudicious and or illegal exploitation.
  • Enforce relevant conservation legislation to ensure area integrity (anti-poaching, patrols).
  • Apply legislation relevant to conservation (permits, investigations, criminal procedures).
  • Ensure direct conservation compliance in the operational environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the application of tangible solutions and theory-driven arguments concerning conservation legislature.
  • Utilise managerial functions together with conservation communication and financial management to foster economic growth and social cohesion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use scientific language and nomenclature in a clear and concise manner, giving and receiving feedback appropriate to unfamiliar and variable contexts.
  • Communicate instructional information and study material in a variety of ways, with special emphasis on peer-reviewed scientific literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply plans of collaborative networking relevant to maintenance of infrastructure and equipment commensurate with contemporary conservation and land management operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Approach and manage ethical and organizational dilemmas in line with professional and industrial standards and guidelines.
  • Demonstrate special consideration for organisational behaviour when interacting with people, communities, fauna and flora.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Base individual accountability and problem-solving issues on evidence and procedures.
  • Ability to refer peer conduct and accountability to relevant organisational structures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting and communicating knowledge in this field of study. In this qualification, integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the learning programme.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Throughout the programme, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved, which include (but not limited to):
  • Assignments.
  • Practicals and practical assessments.
  • Theory tests.
  • And/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):
  • Portfolios of Evidence.
  • Presentations.
  • Tests.
  • Examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar qualifications in Nature Conservation have been evaluated internationally and these include the Namibian University of Science and Technology Bachelor of Natural Resource Management (Nature Conservation) and Bachelor of Natural Resource Management (Hons) in Nature Conservation), Auckland University of Technology (Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Conservation), University of Queensland (Graduate Diploma in Responsible Resource Development), University of Otago (BSc(Honours) Ecology), Auckland University of Technology, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (New Zealand Diploma in Adventure Tourism and Guiding), University of Florida (Bachelors in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation), University of Botswana (Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences), Trinity College, Dublin (Batchelor's in Environmental Sciences) and Texas Tech (Batchelor of Science Natural Resource Management). The underlying core subjects are similar but basic information may be aligned to regional scenarios as well as the reigning conservation philosophy and socio-economic conditions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Project Management, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.